Identity theft facts

• Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America.
• The number of identity theft incidents has reached 9.9 million a year, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
• Every minute about 19 people fall victim to identity theft.
• It takes the average victim an estimated $500 and 30 hours to resolve each identity theft crime.
• Studies have shown that it’s becoming more common for the ones stealing your identity to be those closest to you. One study found 32% of identity theft victims discovered a family member or relative was responsible for stealing their identity. That same study found 18% were victimized by a friend, neighbor or in-home employee.
• Most cases of identity theft can be resolved if they are caught early.
• Financial institutions – like banks and creditors – usually only hold the victim responsible for the first $50 of fraudulent charges.
• Only 28% of identity theft cases involve credit or financial fraud. Phone, utility, bank and employment fraud make up another 50% of cases
• IN MANY STATES IDENTITY THEFT ISN'T AGAINST THE LAW!!